The actor John Heard, best known for playing the father of Macaulay Culkin’s character in the Home Alone series has died. He was 72.
He was most recognised for his role as Peter McCallister in the hit 1990 film and its 1992 sequel Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, but was also praised for his work on television and stage. He was nominated for an Emmy in 1999 for his role as a corrupt New Jersey detective in The Sopranos.
US actor James Woods led tributes on social media to the “complex and brilliant man”. Jeff Bridges - who appeared with Heard in the 1981 movie Cutter’s Way - and Elijah Wood also paid tribute to the actor.
Devastated to hear of the passing of lifelong friend #JohnHeard. A complex and brilliant man and a true artist. I will miss him dearly. #RIP
— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) July 22, 2017
He was found dead at a hotel in Palo Alto, California, where he was recovering from minor back surgery, celebrity website TMZ reported.
Mr Heard starred in a series of 1970s television productions before landing the lead role in the 1979 romantic comedy Head over Heels. His big screen roles continued with the Tom Hanks comedy Big in 1988 and opposite Bette Midler in Beaches. Other notable credits included in The Pelican Brief from 1999. He is survived by three children.
